The work of Canadian artist Takashi Iwasaki creates a bright and candy colored world, full of shapes that may seem incongruous, but are creating tableaus representing, for the artist, either completely imaginary worlds or the world he sees every day, as he sees it in shape and color.
Though the composition may have meaning to the artist, he purposefully keeps the titles vague ( they are a combination of fragments several languages and sounds based on themes or elements in each work ), so that the viewer may drawn his own conclusion as to what is being seen.
Although the bright tones are decidedly cheery and the shapes often whimsical, it could be easy to interpret these with a dark sensibility. They are at times alien-like and the Sputnik-ish motifs along with the clean aesthetic lead me to often see a kind of mid-century extraterrestrial sort of world. One that I would happily be abducted to.
In addition to the embroidered ( ! ) works above, Iwasaki you can also see wonderful paintings and drawings on his website. They will take you to another world!
Featured image is Nijiawapaip, embroidery floss and fabric (hand embroidered), 41cm x 41cm. All images are via the artist’s website.
This artist found via DesignMilk.
Comments
7 responses to “In a World of Pure Imagination: Takashi Iwasaki”
Hooray! I’m clapping my hands in glee seeing this post. I have one of Takashi’s pieces, a painting, not an embroidery, and I love looking at it. He had a show in Vancouver last year, it was great to see a lot of his work together. In addition, he curates a narrow gallery space in Winnipeg and presents interesting work there.
That is so funny, M.A., because when I saw that he’d had a show in Vancouver, I wondered if you knew of him! 🙂 How lucky you are to own one of his pieces!
Actually, I saw an article about him in a magazine years ago, and I arranged to meet him when I was in Winnipeg, then bought a painting directly from him. The Vancouver show was a chance to see his work’s evolution.
Wow, this really is beautiful. Thanks for the introduction! I had no idea until today that you moved as much as you do. And I thought I was a vagabond!!! I have to admit am a little jealous. 🙂 I totally agree with you that savoring each day is the key. I love your attitude!
Glad you liked his work, Ally! Yes, our lifestyle is a bit insane, but is giving us the opportunity to see some amazing places and meet incredible people.
Cheers!
Lesley
Reblogged this on Conceptual Art.
Amazing work here. Takashi Iwasaki does great art. Thanks so much for featuring him. 🙂